Exploring Mandi & Parashar Lake: A
Nov 15, 2024
Author: Alka Hantwal
Until now, you’ve probably known Himachal Pradesh for its famous apples and scenic hill stations. But there’s a lesser-known treasure that deserves your attention- the enchanting township of Mandi and the mystical Parashar Lake. Himachal Pradesh, known as the “Fruit & Vegetable Bowl of India”, also offers a peaceful escape from your day-to-day hustle of life, as it houses the charming town of Mandi and the serene Parashar Lake. If you’re looking to discover a side of Himachal Pradesh that’s old school & spiritually inclined – Mandi and Parasar Lake are the places to be. Here’s a glimpse of all the spiritual & cultural experiences that both these places offer:
Mandi: The “Varanasi of the Hills” Mandi, located in the Beas River valley, is a charming town with deep spiritual and historical significance. It’s the second largest district in Himachal Pradesh, home to over 80 temples making it a pilgrimage site for many. It won’t be wrong if you say that the town itself is an amalgamation of old-world charm with the modern pulse of the hill station. Mandi offers a wide range of experiences, and destinations catering to both adventure seekers and pilgrims alike.
Top Spiritual Attractions to explore in Mandi – The Spiritual Heart of Mandi – Mandi’s temples such as the Bhutnath Temple, Sundernagar, and the Rewalsar Lake are the spiritual lifeblood of the region.
1.)Sundernagar: It’s a man-made lake according to the Beas-Sutlej Project. The temples of Mahamaya and Sukhdev Vatika on the nearby hills are other attractions of this place. Sundernagar, as the name suggests is famous for its shading walks amidst towering trees and temples with the Mahamaya Temple being the most prominent. Sukhdev Vatika is a beautiful garden here where during the pre-Mahabharata period Rishi Sukhdev meditated here. In addition, there is an ancient cave that dates back to the Puranas & it’s supposed to lead to Haridwar. So, visiting this place connects you with ancient times for sure!
2.)Rewalsar: There’s no limit to sacred sites in Mandi and here you have another location called Rewalsar, known for its Rewalsar Lake. It’s a natural lake famous for its floating reed island and fishes. As per the legends, the great teacher and scholar Padmasambhava used his enormous power to take a flight to Tibet from Rewalsar and it’s believed that tiny islands of floating reeds in Rewalsar Lake have the spirit of Padmasambhava embodied in it, here you will also witness his statue. People of all religions come to Rewalsar to take a holy bath at the festival of Baisakhi.
3.)Naina Devi Temple – Situated at a distance of 10 km from Rewalsar, the temple of Naina Devi is perched on a hilltop where the eye of Sati fell as Shiva carried her burning body atop this place, The temple of Naina Devi was thereby built on this sacred place.
4.)Janjehli- Shikari Devi Temple- The temple is connected by a forest road where only local jeeps are operational. It is situated at an altitude of 3,339 mt. Being the highest peak of Mandi District, it is also called the “Crown of Mandi”. The way to Shikari Peak is amidst the vast green pastures, captivating sunrise and sunset, and panoramic views of snow ranges making this place perfect for nature lovers. However, it just depends upon you as to how you want to enjoy nature. Once you reach the Shikari peak, there’s a roofless temple of Shikari Devi, the Goddess of hunters and this temple is said to have been established by Pandavas. Although the temple has no roof, still no snow is spotted on temple premises during winter when the entire region around the temple is covered up to several feet by snow which is quite an enigma to witness. Additionally, adventure enthusiasts can visit Kamrunag by undertaking a day-long journey of 16 km by trekking the pastures on this hilltop route offering breathtaking scenic beauty and perfect calmness.
5.)The Bhutnath Temple- The spirituality of this temple dates back to the 1520s and is as old as the town itself. It is located almost at the center of the town, & is devoted to Lord Shiva and here Lord Nandi is seen facing the ornamental arch entrance to the complex. The annual International Shivratri Fair & festival is celebrated here in March and is a major event in this temple and town. So if you plan your visit this month, don’t miss out on witnessing the culture of Mandi.
Historical Significance, Adventure & Scenic Beauty- Apart from its temples, Mandi offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Beas River. If you’re a nature lover, a visit to Pandoh Dam or a leisurely walk along the river will soothe your soul. The region also has a thriving local culture with traditional wooden houses, bustling bazaars, and most importantly a welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration. To immerse in the local life & adventure of Mandi, here is a checklist:
1.) Pandoh Dam – It is an embankment dam that lies in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, located at a distance of 10 km from Manali. The primary purpose of the Pandoh dam is hydroelectric power generation which was commissioned in 1977 and it also houses a man-made lake which is a highlight of this region. .. It’s an amazing sight to behold as you see lovely water birds in the greenish-blue waters of the dam. Rafting is another fun activity offered here, usually done in the lower bed of the water. For those seeking adventure, the hills surrounding Mandi are perfect for camping and trekking. The region is the gateway to another hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh, including the elusive- Parashar Lake.
2.)Parashar Lake: A Hidden Gem in the Dhauladhar Range
Just a short drive from Mandi, perched at an altitude of 2,730 meters, lies the Parashar Lake- one of Himachal Pradesh’s most serene and mystical spots. It’s a crystal clear water body situated about 50 km north of Mandi bounded by snow-capped peaks of Dhauladhar ranges in Kullu Valley. It’s believed that the lake was formed as a result of the striking of a rod on Earth by Rishi Prashar from where water came out and took the shape of the lake. It’s also said that the whole temple was built using a single deodar tree and it took 12 years to complete the temple construction. Not only the lake but you will also witness an ancient Pagoda-style temple dedicated to Rishi Prashar, the patron God of the Mandi region standing beside the lake. The lake has a floating island in it and its actual depth is unclear. It’s frozen in winter but dazzles throughout the remaining year. A walk around the lake gives a mystical experience of the calmness of the surroundings and a visit to Parashar is a perfect blend of spiritual journey into the beautiful Himalayan mountains.
3.)The Trek to Parashar Lake: A Journey to Remember
The trek to Parashar Lake ranges from easy to a moderate-level adventure that takes you through the magical Parashar Lake. The trek typically starts from the village of Baggi, located around 50 kilometers from Mandi. The route is approximately 7 kilometers long and can be completed in 3 to 4 hours, making it suitable for all. The path is well-marked and takes you through thick forests of deodar, pine, and oak with spectacular views as you ascend. As you get closer to the lake, the views of snow-capped peaks become more breathtaking, setting the stage for your final destination. The location offers rewards of scenic beauty, serenity & immense spiritual energy. The best time for the Parashar Lake trek is from March to June and September to November. During these months the weather is pleasant for trekking. If you prefer a winter wonderland, then visiting from December to February offers a magical experience.
Things to keep in Mind before the trek:
CONCLUSION
Your trip to Mandi and trek to Parashar Lake is a perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty, and spirituality. The serene lake makes it an unforgettable experience away from the crowds and noise of mainstream tourist spots.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. How to Reach?
2.LOCAL TRANSPORT
In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, local transport options are diverse and cater to different types of travelers, from budget-conscious backpackers to those looking for more comfort. However, for travel within Mandi many temples are within walking distance.
3. Buses
3. Accommodation
4. Places to eat
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